The West Parry Sound OPP says it’s being inundated with calls about tax scams.
Residents are reporting they’re getting emails, text messages and telephone calls related to scams.
The OPP is asking people to hold off on calling them unless you’ve actually fallen victim to a scam. If someone has only tried to scam you, then you’re asked to call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1‐888‐495‐8501 or report online at its website.
The OPP says some of the most common calls it gets are about people claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. People are told they owe back taxes and are asked to pay with things like pre-paid gift cards or bitcoin. People are often threatened with jail time or deportation if they don’t deliver.
The CRA says it does not do business this way. It will never threaten people or ask for personal information over the phone or in a text message. If you get an email or text message like this, delete it immediately without clicking any links in it. If you have any concerns about your tax status you can call the CRA yourself and verify any information.